Indian Tribal People

Indian tribal people play a key part in constructing the cultural heritage of India. They occupy a major part in the history of India as they are considered as the true habitants of India. The tribal people are scattered in different parts of India and they form a considerable number of the population of India. The traditional and cultural distinction of each tribal community has made them distinguishable from each other and their cultural and traditional heritage add colour and variation to the Indian culture as a whole and form a compact culture. Indian tribal people reside in approximately fifteen percent of the country`s area. They primarily live in various ecological and geo-climatic conditions ranging from plains, forests, hills and inaccessible areas that perhaps lie dotted in the panoramic Indian terrain. According to Article 342 of the Indian Constitution, at present, there exist six hundred and ninety seven tribes as notified by the Central Government. These Indian tribal groups of people have been notified to reside in more than one State. More than half of the Indian tribal population is concentrated in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Jharkhand and Gujarat, whereas in Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Pondicherry and Chandigarh no community has been notified as a specific tribal group. Though the tribal people in the earlier eras were not much forward but in recent times they are seen in some sectors of economical, educational and social development. The history says that India was the abode of various tribal groups since the commencement period of Indian history. Tribes of North East India In the north eastern part of India, there is a concentration of a number of tribes. Meghalaya is the abode of a number of tribal communities who have settled down in large numbers. The tribal people of Meghalaya are categorised in two major groups namely the Garos and Hynniewtrep. The Garo tribal community occupies a major part of tribal communities of Meghalaya. Some of the Mizoram tribes are Chakma tribes which is one of the important tribes of Mizoram. The Pawi Tribes of Mizoram are named not after the name of the clan but after the name of the place where there are residing. Another important tribe of Mizoram is Ralte tribes. Manipur houses quite a number of tribes. The tribes of Manipur are as follows Aimol, Anal, Angami, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Kabui, Kacha Naga, Koirao, Koireng, Kom, Lamgang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Lushai tribes, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Purum, Ralte, Sema, Simte, Sukte, Tangkhul, Thadou, Vaiphei and Zou. The largest population in Assam is that of the Tibeto Burmese descent known as the Bodo tribe and Mishing tribe. Major tribes of Assam make out their livelihood through agriculture and by selling their handicrafts. Tribes of North India North India also encompasses many tribes. Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir have strictly descended from the Indo-Aryan group of people, which can be credited for the sublime beauty of this exceptional north Indian tribe. With normal Indian food being their staple diet, these north Indian tribes believe in both Hinduism and Islam. Tribes of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand comprise a colossal portion under the north Indian tribal section, with variety speaking out from every section and every sphere of daily life. Tribes in Haryana basically are consisted of nomadic and semi-nomadic individuals, with a somewhat decaying condition of their social and economic condition. There are approximately twenty-five nomadic tribes, with their total count exceeding fifteen lakh. Tribes of Himachal Pradesh can be singled out for their looks, good conduct and religious behaviour towards every kind of situations and places. Tribes of East India East Indian tribes come to a significant numbering count under the vast section of Indian tribes. Tribes of West Bengal with their incredible talents and improvisations have elevated Bengali tribes into a prestigious hold. Just like customary Bengal tradition, festivals and ceremonies are an integral part of this East Indian tribe. Tribes of Orissa reflect an unusualness right from the infantry stage. Known to have deep-rooted faith in their aboriginal God and animism, tribal people of Orissa have their own set of faiths when it comes to marriage and holy union. Classified into four primary groups of hunter gatherers, shifting agriculture, basic artisans and settled agriculturists, tribes of Jharkhand are diversified through their handiwork and religious customs. East Indian tribes mostly make themselves noticeable in every sphere of day-to-day life, commencing from level-headed past times in culture and entertainment, coupled with rugged outlook in cultivation. Tribes of West India West India, comprising the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa house sufficient section of Indian tribes. West Indian tribes have been pocketed in several far-away areas, living a life of their own. Tribals of Gujarat today have divided themselves into several places of dwelling by the sea, amidst the Western Ghats and the plains. Agriculture and harvesting seem to be Gujarat tribals` basic occupations since olden times. Tribes of Rajasthan have been involved with rest of the Rajasthani population since ancient times, with their unique customs and culture spreading each other day. The touch of modernisation has wholly caught up with the tribes of this West Indian bunch, paving way for novel ways of occupation and popularity. Tribes of Maharashtra are primarily classified in the groups of nomadic tribes and scheduled tribes. West Indian tribes are truly elevated to escalading heights when Maharashtrian aboriginal men and women are concerned. Tribes of Central India Tribal life in Central India is an excellent instance of the blending of rural and urbanity. Central Indian tribes can bravely be designated with their exquisite stretch of flora and fauna, which is always coupled with ancient richness in cultural heritage. Tribes of Madhya Pradesh is basically classified under the group of scheduled tribes, with other sub-groups of tribes also making their presence felt. Cultivating and farming being a basic tribal occupation the men and women from Madhya Pradesh like to concentrate wholly upon their festivities and celebrations. Tribes of Chhattisgarh primarily consist of a significant number that even surpasses the urban population. Central Indian tribes amount to an overwhelming number, with prestigious lineage and trying to govern themselves in a strict aboriginal manner. Tribes of South India The numbers of South India tribes are perhaps unlimited with their miscellaneous existence, which has now gained popularity throughout the country. The tribes of Tamil Nadu comprise significant number of population ranging from dwindling to massive. These Tribes are engaged in intellectual activity like tea or coffee cultivation, or mass milk producing. Tribes in Karnataka are astoundingly enormous in number, with the count exceeding a bare minimum. With Hinduism being the most prevalent religion, other religions are also seen to have their existence. Kannada being the most spoken language, Malayalam and Hindi also find place in this south-Indian tribe. Tribes of Kerala are perhaps the most unique among all the south Indian tribes discussed. Residing basically in the mountainous terrains of the state, they have been striving to uphold their indigenous traditions and customs from any foreign influence. The interesting and novel mode of lifestyle that such Indian tribal people lead, accounts for a vast section of Indian travelogue. Be it in the sphere of much-retold Indian tribes or yet-to-be-known tribes, various styles of eating, drinking, working, singing, dancing, clothing, accessorising, or religious customs, Indian tribal people lead a life of their own. This distinctness is as if encased and enveloped within a protective covering, that at times receives massive public coverage.